Gabriel's message
Christmas is still ‘magical’ for children. There is much excitement in putting up a tree, decorating it and the house inside, and out, whilst watching a classic Christmas movie!
Then there is the daily advent calendar opening (with chocolate treats), the school Nativity with Mary, Joseph, baby Jesus, wise men, shepherds, angels, Father Christmas and, on occasions, a few Disney characters.
It is true that the first Christmas some 2000 years ago seems a long way from what we experience today. I believe it’s up to churches to unashamedly state what ‘the reason for the season’ is.
At the start of the Nativity story, the Bible says that God sent one of his angels, Gabriel, to two people. Many people know that he visited Mary, but he also met with a man called Zechariah who was married to Elizabeth, and relative of Mary.
It’s fascinating to see the similarities of these two angelic encounters. Gabriel told them both that they would have a son, and he added what name they should be given as well.
Zechariah said, ‘how can this be?’, as he and Elizabeth were both old. Mary also replied, ‘how can this be?’, as she was a virgin.
Zechariah’s response was one of disbelief, and so God muted him for nine months! Mary’s response was different…
““I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her.”
Mary believed and trusted what God said in Gabriel’s message – she was a woman of faith. The Bible does not say if Mary fully appreciated all that was going on, and the implications of her answer. She simply said ‘yes’ to God.
In this advent season, let me encourage you to consider these two individuals. They were both good people, who God loved and wanted to work through.
However, one of them, Zechariah, did not believe what God said. The other, Mary, did believe God and was given the privilege and joy of being the mother of Jesus.
I wonder what God has in store for you, if you choose to believe, trust, and say ‘yes’ to Him?
God bless you :)
Gary Bastin - Hope Community Church leader